Chico City Council to set goals, objectives for 2013

CHICO — The Chico City Council will begin to outline its goals and objectives for the year during a special meeting Thursday.

The council hasn't undergone a goal-setting session in about five years, said City Manager Brian Nakamura. This workshop-style study session will allow councilors to hear departments' priorities, discuss their ideas and outline where they see Chico going in 2013.

Nakamura said he hopes to outline four or five goals to tackle in the coming year. While the goals themselves will be broader — such as improving public safety — specific objectives can be set to pinpoint what the council wants to see instead of leaving it open to interpretation. "We want to make sure we are responding to the council's needs," he said.

The Thursday meeting will focus on the city's fiscal situation and public safety, with regard to police, fire, transportation, and infrastructure. The goal-setting will continue at the regular Tuesday council meeting next week to focus on economic development and other topics, Nakamura said.

"A lot of what comes out of this meeting will be tied to the State of the City," he said, referring to a presentation he or Mayor Mary Goloff will make next Wednesday at the Chico Chamber of Commerce Summit.

The Thursday meeting will also include consideration of appointments to the city boards and commissions. Councilors will use a balloting process to fill the 19 open seats, choosing from 60 applicants, most of whom were interviewed during the Jan. 15 council meeting.